Protective covering for outdoor furniture



May 23, 1967 y v. D. L|LIENSTERN ETAL 3,321,240

PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE Filed May 20, 1964 S f @ya @10. veA/v L. f'f/Msf/Pa,

INVENTORJl United States Patent() 3,321,240 PROTECTIVE CDVERING FDR GUTDOR FURNITURE Vera D. Lilienstern, 2 Brookside Way, Port Chester, N.Y.

10573, and Dean L. Feinberg, N ew Haven, Conn. (380 Wildwood Drive,0range, Conn. 06477) Fiied May 20, 1964, Ser. No. 368,898 14 Claims. (Ci. 297-484) The present invention relates to protective coverings, and more particularly, to protective covering for use with outdoor furniture to protect such furniture or upholstery therefor against the elements.

The use of outdoor furniture has become more widespread in recent years as people spend greater leisure time outdoors. The use of such furniture outdoors, however, presents several problems which have not been satisfactorily solved to date. A major one is the problem of protection and maintenance of the furniture against the elements. Some users normally leave the furniture outdoors with no protective shields thereover. This practice is objectionable since, in the case of metal furniture, a problem of rusting exists, and with wooden furniture, decay thereof is hastened.

Other users of outdoor furniture employ covers which are placed over the furniture in overall enveloping relationship as shields against the elements. This is undesirable since it necessitates the removal and storage of such coverings when the furniture is to be used, and a replacement thereof when not in use. Moreover, unless the coverings are placed over the furniture immediately after use, there is always a possibility of heavy rain when no one is present to place the coverings over the furniture. Accordingly, the use of such enveloping coverings or shields has not Ibeen fully satisfactory as protective means for outdoor furniture.

Another problem with respect to the use of outdoor furniture is one basically of comfort. Since there is a problem of damage Iby the elements, such furniture obviously cannot be upholstered in the normal manner of indoor furniture. Thus, outdoor furniture is normally provided with removable pads or cushions which are upholstered to #a degree but still do not provide the degree of comfort as does the furniture used indoors. Moreover, such pads or cushions must `be covered with water-resistant or waterproof material which presents a surface in no way comparable to conventional furniture fabric. This problem of providing adequate comfort and still provide proper protection of the furniture against the elements is a major one which has not been solved prior to the advent of the present invention.

In the elimination of the foregoing and related disadvantages it is therefore a principal object to provide new and novel protection for outdoor furniture against the elements.

Another obje-ct of the present invention is the provision of new and novel protective covering means for outdoor furniture.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of new and novel protective covering means for outdoor furniture which need not be removed for storage.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of new and novel protective covering means for outdoor furniture which may remain aiiixed to the furniture as a permanent part thereof at all times.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of new and novel covering means for all forms of outdoor furniture and related equipment which will protect such articles against the elements.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of new and novel protective covering means which ICC makes it possible to utilize all forms of really comfortable cushions, seats, pads, and the like without fear of harm thereto rfrorn `the elements.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of new 'and novel protective covering means which will permit the upholstering of the furniture to a far greater degree of comfort than heretofore possible without damage thereto 4by the elements.

Other and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest from the ensuing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Broadly stated, the protective covering for outdoor furniture made in accordance lwith the present invention comprises la first covering section hing-edly secured along one edge to a top edge of an article of furniture, a second covering section hingedly secured along one edge to the top edge of the article of furniture in opposed relation to said first covering, and at least one other cover section hingedly secured along one edge to another top edge orf said article of furniture, each of said ycover sections normally extending downwardly and along the outside of the article of furniture when same is in use, and when the furniture is not in use, each of said sections .being folded over said furniture and being united to one another to protect said furniture against the elements.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the present invention then consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and the following descriptilon setting forth in detail certain means in the carrying out of the invention, such disclosed means illustrating, however, but one of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

The present invention is illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which, diagrammatically:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of one form of a protective covering made in accordance with the present invention in a laid-out state which is to lbe employed with furniture of the chair type.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the protective covering shown in FIG. 1 in assembled relationship with an illustrative embodiment of a chair with the covering in 'a closed, protecting state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the protective covering shown in FIG. 2 in an open, non-protecting state.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of -another form of protecting covering made in accordance with the present invention in a laid-out state which is to be employed with a chair of the type shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the protective covering shown in FIG. 4 in assembled relationship with a chair of the type shown in FIG. 3 with the covering in a closed, protecting state.

FIG. 6 is a top plan View of still another form of a protective covering made in accordance with the present invention in a laid-out state which is to be employed with the type of chair shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the protective covering shown in FIG. 6 in assembled relationship with a chair of the type shown in FIG. 7, with the covering in a partially open, non-protecting state.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a form of protective covering made in accordance with the present invention in a laid-out state which is for use with furniture of the couch type.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the association of the protective covering shown in FIG. 8 in assembled relationship with a couch of -a typical construction, with the protective covering in partially on position.

FIG. l0 is a top plan view of a form of protective covering made in accordance with the present invention in a laid-out state which is to be employed with a chair of the spring metal type.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the association of the protective covering shown in FIG. in association with a spring metal cair of typical construction, with the covering in partially open position.

Referring now to the drawings and with particular reference to FIGS. 1 3, a protective covering made in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 10 is illustrated therein. or may not have arms, and which may be made wholly of metal or wood, or a combination of the two, plastic material, or the like. Further, the furniture may be upholstered or may have detachable separate upholstery pads.

The protective covering 10, as best illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises a front panel 11 having a height and width at least corresponding to or slightly greater than the front width of the chair and the vertical height or distance of the forward end of the arms of the chair. The front panel 11 thus functions as the covering means for the front portion of the chair. In the event the chair has no arms, the vertical height `of the panel section 11 need only be equal to the height of the seat of the chair from the ground. The top edge of the panel section 11 is integrally secured to a triangular shaped ap portion 12 integrally joined thereto and foldable therewith along a fold line 13. The triangular flap portion 12 will'serve to provide protection against the elements in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

A first side panel 14 of a width corresponding to at least the Width or depth of the chair is secured along one side edge of hte front panel section 11 along a vertical fold line 15. A first Hap portion 16 which is triangular in configuration of the right angle type is secured along its base line to the top edge of the side panel 14 in integral relationship forming a fold line 17. The altitude side of the triangular flap portion 16 forms a continuation of the vertical side of the panel section 14 remote from the side connected to the front panel section 11. The altitude of the triangular flap portion 16 extends at least to and preferably slightly above the vertical height of the back of the chair with which the covering is to be associated. The hypotenuse of the triangular flap portion 16 will extend from the top rear edge of the chair downwardly to the front edge -of the chair and will function to encase or cover the arm portion of the chair, when present. However, as will be readily apparent, the ap portion may be included and work equally as Well whether or not the chair contains an arm portion.

A second triangular flap portion 18 is joined along its base line to the hypotenuse of the first triangular flap por` tion in integral relationship forming a fold line 19. The triangular ap portion 18 is of a vertical height to extend at least to the mid-point of the width of the chair, as is best illustrated in FIG. 2, and is associated with the other triangular flap portions 12, 23 and 29 in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter to provide the desired protection for the furniture.

A back panel is integrally secured along a portion of one side edge thereof to the side panel section 14 forming a vertical fold line 21. The ba-ck panel 20 is of a vertical height at least equal to the vertical height of the chair back from the ground, and is of a width at least equal to or slightly greater than the width of the chair with which it is to be associated, but under any circumstances is of a width substantially identical to the width of the front panel section 11. The remainder of the vertical length of the side edge of the back panel 20 is equal to the altitude of the first triangular flap portion 16 and is adapted to be detachably secured thereto by means of a watertight zipper construction 22. It is to be clearly understood that while a zipper construction is illustrated, any other fastening means which will render the union watertight may be employed equally as well. A triangular flap portion 23 corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the flap portion 12 is integrally secured to the top edge of the rear panel section 20 along its base line and foldable with respect thereto along a fold line 24, and functions to cooperate with the triangular ap portions 12 and 18 to provide the necessary protection for the chair in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

A second side panel 25 identical in conguration and dimensions with the first panel 14 is secured along its side edge to the lower side of the :back panel 20 forming a vertical fold line 26 with respect thereto. A right angle triangular flap portion 27 identical in configuration and dimensions with the right angle ap portion 16 is secured in integral relationship to lthe top edge of the side panel 25 forming a horizontal fold line 28 therewith. A triangular ap portion 29 identical in configuration and dimensions to the triangular ap portion 18 of the side panel section 14 is integrally secured along its base to the hypotenuse of the triangular flap portion 27 forming a fold line 30. The triangular flap portion 29 when in association with the triangular ap portions 12, 18, and 23 forms a somewhat conical shield or covering when in an assembled relationship with one another to prevent water, moisture or the like, as well as the sun, from contacting the furniture. The altitude side of the right angle flap portion 27 is secured to the side edge of the back -panel 20 adjacent the top thereof by means of a zipper 31 which is of identical configuration and function to `the zipper 22 uniting the triangular flap section 16 with the opposite side of the back panel section 20. The opposite side edge of the second side panel 25 is provided with closure means 32, such as, for example, a zipper, for a distance corresponding to the vertical height of the front panel section 11. The remaining free side edge of the front panel section 11 is provided with a mating fastener 32 to effect the detachable engagement of the second side panel 25 to the front panel 11.

As will be seen from the foregoing description, 4the protective covering 10 made in accordance with the present invention is a unitary one-piece article, although, as will be readily apparent, if desired the covering could be made in one or more pieces and assembled with one another. The protective covering 10 may be any suitable natural or synthetic material which is waterproof, or may be treated to render same waterproof. Examples of such materials are nylon, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, oil cloth, waterproofed cotton fabrics, waterproofed wool fabrics, leather and the like. The foregoing `are yillustrative of but a few of the types of material of which the protective covering 10 can be made and the present invention is not to be limited to any particular type of material.

In the utilization of the protective covering made in accordance with the present invention, reference is to be had to FIGS. 2 -and 3 wherein the protective covering 10 shown in FIG. l is illustrated in a closed, protecting state and in an open sta-te, respectively. In the assembly of the protective covering 10, the front panel section 11 extends from the top of the seat of the chair C and functions to cover the front 4face of the chair C from the seat to the ground. The rst side panel 14 is at right angles to the front panel 11 along the fold line 15 and serves to protect or cover one side of the chair. The right angled triangular flap portion 16 forms a vertical continuation of the rst side panel 14 and functions to protect or cover the arm portion of the chair, with ythe hypotenuse edge of the right angle forming a direct straight line from the -top of the rear of the chair to the top of the seat or arm portion of the chair. The back panel 20 is in right yangled relationship to the side panel 14 and functions to protect or cover the entire back surface of the chair. The right angled triangular flap portion 16 is secured along its altitude side to -the upper portion of the back panel section 20 by means of the zipper 22 or similar fastener. The op` posite side panel 25 is positioned in precisely the same manner with the opposite side edge of the chair C as the rst side panel 14, with the right angled triangular ilap portion 27 being associated in the same manner as the right angled triangular flap portion 16. The second panel 25 is secured to the front panel section 11 by means of the zipper 32 or similar fastener means.

The triangular panel sections 12, 18, 23, and 29, as shown in FIG. 2, are folded inwardly along their respective fold lines until they converge forming a unitary conical section completely covering the chair. To secure the panel sections 12, 18, 23 and 29 `to one another in the closed conical relationship, the apex point of each triangular flap section is provided with a small ring 33 which are brought into registry with one another and a pin or similar retaining element is snapped thereinto. It will be Ifound desirable with this particular embodiment to make sure that the side free edges of each of the triangular portions overlap in order to provide the proper shielding from the moisture. It will also be found particularly advantageous with this particular embodiment to use tie strings 34 to insure the free side edges of the triangular portions remaining in overlapping relationship, preferably of the string-and-but-ton type, as shown.

It is to be clearly understood that the fastening means 33 and the tie strings 34 are illusrtative of but many types of fastening means tha-t may be employed in bringing the triangular flap portions 12, 18, 23, and 29 into overlapping weathertight relationship. For example, each of the ree side edges of the triangular flap portions 12, 18, 23, and 29 m-ay vbe provided with weathertight zippers of the type illustrated in U.S. Patents Nos. 2,928,156 and 3,005,- 247. Still another form of fastening means can be the spaced positioning of small magnets along the free side edges of each of the -triangular Hap portions such that when folded inwardly the respective magnets will .be in registry with one another to retain the triangular flap sections in closed, overlapping relationship. There are still other forms of fastening means readily available that can be employed to provide the desired Weathertight closing of -the triangular ap portions 12, 18, 23, and 29 with one another in the manner shown in FiG. 2.

As will be observed with the protective covering 1t) in assembled relationship in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the chair is protected absolutely against any inclement weather and will keep the furniture in a highly protected state against moisture, sun and the like. To utilize the furniture for its intended purpose from a covered protective state, the pin is removed from each of the locking rings 33 and the ap portions 12, 18, 23, and 29 are folded outwardly along their respective fold lines. The triangular right angled ap portions 16 and 27, respectively, are detachably disengaged from the respective side edges of the back panel 20 by operation of the zippers 22 and 31, thus dropping each of the right angled flap sections outwardly and downwardly along with the triangular sections 18 and 29, respectively. This results in a complete freeing of the chair from any protective covering above the seat section, with the triangular sections hanging therebelow in a suspended position. T o insure that the triangular sections will not become unduly worn by the free hanging, the outside bottom edge of the panel sections 11, 14, 2l), and 25 may be provided with a pocket to receive the free ends therein, thereby keeping same out of contact with the ground, at 35.

Reference is now to be had to FIGS. 4 and 5 wherein another embodiment of a protective covering made in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 40 is shown. In this embodiment, the basic triangular sections utilized in the covering shown in FIGS. 1-3 will be utilized, and the corresponding parts in the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will bear the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts shown in the covering 10 of FIG. l. The protective covering 40 is primarily for use with chairs having rnetal legs wherein a problem of weather protection is not essential.

As illustrated, the protective covering 40 comprises a front panel 41 of a length corresponding to the lateral -width of the chair and has a vertical height just sufficient to engage the front seat portion of the chair or the seat portion and the arm portion of the chair, leaving the remainder of the legs of the chair unencurnbered and uncovered. A triangular ap portion 12 is secured along a fold line 13 to the top edge of the front panel 41 in the same manner as the panel section 12 of the covering 10. A side panel 42 having the same height as the front panel 41 is secured thereto along a vertical fold line 43. A right angle triangular flap portion 16 is secured along its base to the top edge of the side panel section 42 forming a fold line 17 therealong. A triangular flap portion 18 is secured along its base line to the hypotenuse side of the right angled triangular flap section 16 forming a fold line 19, and is detachably secured along its altitude side to the adjacent side edge of the back panel 44 by means of a zipper 22.

A rear panel 44 corresponding in dimensions to the v ront panel 41 is secured along one side edge to the side panel 42 along a vertical fold line 45. The back panel 44 is of a vertical height suicient to extend from the bottom edge formed by the front panel and side panel 41 and 42 to the top of the back of the chair. The top -free edge of the back panel 44 is provided with an integral triangular ap portion 23 secured thereto along a fold line 24. A second side panel 46 is secured to the opposite side edge of the back panel section 44 along the fold line 47 and is of dimensions precisely vcorresponding to the dimensions of the first panel 42. A right angled triangular flap portion 27 is secured along its base to the top edge of the second panel section 46 forming a horizontal fold line 28 therealong. The triangular section 27 is detachably secured along its altitude side to the adjacent side edge of the back panel section 44 by means of a zipper 31. The triangular ap portion 29 is secured in integral relationship along its base to the hypotenuse of the triangular section 27 forming a fold line 30 therealong. The free edge of the second side panel section 46 and the front panel section 41 are provided with a cooperating zipper construction 4S to secure the retention of the two members to one another in detachable relationship.

Referring now to FIG. 5, it is seen that the protective covering 40 is mounted on the chair C in precisely the same manner as the protective covering 10 in FIG. 2 with the exception that no protective covering extends below the seat portion of the chair. To open the protective covering shown in FIG. 5, the operation hereinbefore described in connection with the protective covering 10 will be followed with respect to opening the protective covering 4. The closing of the respective parts to protect the furniture will be the reverse thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, another form of protective cover made in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 50 is illustrated therein. This embodiment of the protective covering Si? is to be employed with a chair construction of the same general type as that illustrated in the forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 5. The major distinction of this present form o-f covering made in accordance with the present invention is that in this forrn of protective covering means, the covering includes upholstered sections for the seat and back. This form of the invention thus provides an upholstered protective covering which can be positioned easily and quickly on outdoor furniture to provide the desired degree of comfort and yet a high degree of weather protection.

The protective covering 50 comprises a main seat portion 51 and a main back portion 52 joined to one another along a fold line 53, with the area of the seat portion 51 and the area of the back portion 52 being at least equal to or slightly greater than the area of the seat portion V'i and back portion, respectively, of the chair with which the protective covering 50 is to be associated.

The seat and back portions 51 and 52 are to be upholstered and are of a thickness suicient to provide adequate comfort to a person occupying the chair. The seat and 'back portions 51 and 52 may be filled with any desired upholstering material, such as, for example, foam rubber, cotton batting, wool batting, and the like, to provide the desired body and softness thereto. The material covering the seat and back portions 51 and 52 may be any suitable natural or synthetic fabrics, sheeting, or the like. Any of the materials hereinbefore enumerated with respect to the protective coverings and 40 may be utilized. In addition, since the seat and back sections 51 and 52 will be fully protected, it is possible to utilize highly decorative fabrics which are not waterproof or sunfast. However, it is to ybe emphasized that such fabrics can be utilized only for the surface of the seat and back portions 51 and 52, which will be fully protected.

A front panel 54, as illustrated, of a width and height corresponding to the front portion of the chair in the manner of the front panel 11 is integrally secured to the front edge of the seat portion 51 along a fold line 55. However, it is to be noted that the front panel section 54 may be, if the chair legs are metal, short in the manner of the front panel 41. Secured along the fold line 55 to the seat section 51 is a triangular flap portion 56 which is of a dimension corresponding generally to the triangular flap portion 12 of the covering 10. In this form of the invention, the triangular flap portion 56 or the front panel 54 may either be integrally formed with the seat portion 51 or with one another, or one or both members may be secured thereto by sewing or the like along the fold line 55.

A side panel 57 is secured along one edge to each side edge of the seat portion 51 along a fold line 58. Each side panel 57 is identical in configuration and is of a length or vertical height corresponding to the length or vertical height of the front panel 54 and possesses a Width at least equal to that of the seat section 51. A right angled triangular flap portion 59 is secured along its base line to each side edge of the seat section 51 along the fold line 58. The triangular ap portion 59 may be integrally formed with the seat section or the side panel, or it may be secured to the seat section by sewing or the like. The altitude of each of the triangular ap portions 59 will be of a height or vertical length equal to that between the seat portion and the top of the back portion in the same manner as the triangular flap portion 16 shown in FIG. l. The hypotenuse of each of the triangular flap portions 59 will extend along each side from the top rear edge of the chair downwardly to the front edge thereof.

A second triangular flap portion 60 is joined along its base line to the hypotenuse of each of the triangular flap portions 59, preferably in integral relationship therewith along the fold line 61. Each of the triangular flap portions 60 is of the same vertical height as the triangular flap portion 56 and will be associated therewith in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter to provide the necessary protection for the furniture.

A back panel 61 is secured along one edge to the rear or back edge of the back portion 52 along a fold line 63. The 'back panel 62 is of a width corresponding to the width of the front panel 54 and possesses a length at least equal to the vertical height of the back of the chair to the ground and functions as the covering means for the back portion of the chair. A triangular flap portion 64, which is of a dimension corresponding to that of the triangular flap portion 56, is secured along one edge or base of the fold line 63, either in integral relationship or otherwise fastened relationship. The triangular ap portion 64 functions in the same manner as the flap portions 56 and 60 to provide a conical covering in the same manner as with the other forms of the invention hereinbefore described.

To provide means for securing the various panels of the covering 60 in detachable relationship with one another for assembly with a chair, the front panel 54 along each side edge thereof and the forward edge of each of the side panels 57 is provided with cooperating zippers 65. While zippers have :been shown as the illustrative and preferred form of fastening means, it is to be clearly understood that there are -readily available other forms of fastening means equally suitable. The rear edge of each of the side panels 57 and each side of the back panel 62 adjacent the lower end thereof also is provided with cooperating zippers 66. Thus, the operation of the zippers 65 and 66 will serve to enable the securing of the front and back panels and the side panels to one another around the Iperimeter of the chair or the perimeter of the legs of a chair in the same manner as the panels 11, 14, 20, and 25 in the form of the invention shown in FIG. l. To insure the retention of the triangular Hap portions 59 in assembled relationship to the back seat portion, the altitude of each of the triangular ap portions-59 and each side edge of the yback portion 52 is provided with a zipper 67 or similar fastening means. Thus, each of the triangular ap portions 59 is secured to the back portion, when in assembled relationship with a chair, in the same manner as the triangular flap portions 16 and 17 are secured to the back panel 20 in the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1. Each of the triangular flap portions 56, 60, and 64 is provided at its outermost or apex end with a connecting ring 68 to serve as locking means for securing the panels to one another in a protective state in the same manner as the locking rings 33 in the form of the invention shown in FIG. l. However, to the same extent, rather than employing locking means and a pin assembly, each free side of the triangular ap portions 56, 60, and 64 may be provided with cooperating weathertight zipper means or similar fastening means to insure the retention of the iiap portions in a weathertight state.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the protective cover means 60 made in accordance with the present invention is shown in assembled relationship with a chair C. As shown, the upholstered seat section 51 and the upholstered back portion 52 are placed against the respective seat and back portions of the chair to provide the desired com- .fort to the user. The front panel section 54 will extend downwardly along the fold line 55 from the front edge of the seat section 51 in right angled relationship thereto and will serve to protect the chair below the seat portion thereof. The triangular flap portion 56 is shown in a downwardly folded state and will be in this position when the chair is being used. However, the flap portion 56 will be folded upwardly and inwardly for cooperation with the other flap portions 60 and 64 to provide the desired protection in the same manner as hereinbefore described with other forms of the invention.

Each side panel 57 will be folded downwardly along a fold line 58 4from each side edge of the seat section 51 in right angled relationship thereto and serves to cover and protect each side of the chair below the seat portion thereof. Each of the side panels 57, as shown, is secured to each vertical side of the front panel 54 by means of the zippers 65 to insure retention thereof to the chair as well as providing a weathertight seal between the two. The right angled triangular flap portions 59 secured to each side edge of the seat section 51 along the fold line 58 and the associated triangular ap portions 60 are shown in detached, partially open relationship. When in a closed relationship to provide protection for the chair, the triangular ap portions 59 will be secured to each side edge of the back section 52 by means of the zipper 67, and the flap portions 60 will be in association with the other iiap portions 56 and 64. To release the flap p0rtions 56, 60, and 64 and the flap portions 59 to permit the chair to be used, the operation of the zipper 67 or similar fastener means will permit each triangular ap portion 59 and its associated flap portion 60 to be swung outwardly and dropped downwardly.

The rear panel 62 extends from the top of the chair to the ground and will serve to function as a covering or protective means for the entire back portion or part of the chair C. The back panel 62 when in assembled relationship will be secured along each lower side edge to the rear edge of each side panel 57 by means of the zippers 66. The back panel e2 is shown in partially separated position in FIG. 7, but when in assembled relationship will be swung downwardly against the back of the chair and secured to each rear side edge of the side panels 57 adjacent its lower end by means of the zippers 66. The triangular ap portion 64 is secured to the back panel along the fold line 63 and is swingable inwardly to cooperate with the other ap portions to cover and protect the chair. The flap portion 64 will be, when in an open state, against the back panel.

Reference is now to be had to FIGS. 8 and 9 wherein a protective covering means made in accordance with the present invention is shown which is to be used with furniture of the type known as a couch, settee, or the like. As illustrated, the protective covering 70 comprises a front panel 71 of a length or width at least equal to the length of the couch or settee with which it is to be associated. The vertical height of the front panel 71 will be equal to the height of the top of the seat portions of the furniture to the ground. The edge portion of the top panel 83 is provided with a top front panel portion 72 which is foldable along a horizontal fold line 73. The vertical height of the top front panel portion 72 from the fold line 73 is at least equal to the vertical height between the top of the saet portion of the furniture to the top of the arm portion such that it may be swung outwardly and downwardly in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter. A first side panel section 74 of a length at least equal to the depth or width of the couch with which it is to be associated and of a vertical height equal to the vertical height of the front panel 71 is secured thereto along a fold line 75. The upper portion of the side panel 74 along its forward edge is provided with zipper means 77 or like fastener means to engage one side edge of the top panel portion 72 of the front panel 71 in detachable relationship therewith. A right angled triangular ap portion 78 is secured along its base edge to the top edge of the side panel 74 along a fold line 79 and functions to provide protection for one side of the couch in the same lmanner as the triangular flap portions 16 and 27 in the form of the invention shown in FIG. l. The hypotenuse side of the right angled triangular flap portion 78 will eX- tend from the top edge of the -rear of the couch to the forward top edge of the arm portion of the couch. The triangular flap portion 78 at the rear edge thereof is provided with a zipper 80 or similar fastener means which will function to secure same thereto in detachable relationship to one upper side of the back panel 81.

The back panel 81 is secured along a lower edge thereof to the rear edge of the side panel 74 along a vertical fold line 82. The back panel 81 is of a width equal to the Width of the front panel 71 and possesses a vertical height equal to the vertical height of the back of the couch with which the covering is to be associated, and serves to function as the protective means for the entire rear or back portion of the couch. A top cover panel 33 is secured along one long edge thereof to the top edge of the back panel 81 along the horizontal fold line 84 and .functions as the cover means for the couch with which the covering means 70 is to be associated in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. The top cover panel S3 has a width at least equal to the width of the back panel 81 or the front panel 71 and has a length at least equal to and preferably slightly greater than the hypotenuse of the right angled triangular flap portion 7S,

l@ since when in a folded protecting state the top panel 82 will extend along the hypotenuse lines to the front of the couch, with the forward free end of the top panel 83 carrying the top edge of top lfront panel 73, as aforesaid.

A second side panel S5 corresponding precisely to the dimensions of the rst side panel 74 is secured along one vertical edge to the lower edge of the remaining side of the front panel 71 along a fold line 36, and a right angled triangular ap portion 187 is secured along horizontal fold line 8S to the top edge of the side panel portion 85. The right angled triangular portion 87 is secured in detachable relationship to the upper edge of the back panel 81 by means of a zipper 89. Thus the second side panel 84 and its associated parts are identical with the first side panel 74 and its associated parts and serves to cover and protect the other side of the couch with which the covering 76 is to be associated. The remaining side edge of the second panel and the free side edge of the back panel S1 are provided with a zipper 90 or similar fastening means to insure the attachment and retention of the covering 7G around the furniture.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the protective covering 70 is shown in association with a couch S with the protective covering shown in partially open position. As shown, the front panel 71 and the side panels 74 and 84 and the back panel 81 extend completely around the couch S in a vertical state and in very snug relationship with the respective sides, front, and back parts of the couch and is held in this state by means of a zipper connecting the back panel 81 and the side panel 85. The top panel portion 72 is shown in a partially folded out state Iwith the side edges thereof being in detached relationship from the top forward edges of the side panels 74 and 85. When the couch S is to be used, the top panel portion 72 will be secured to the top forward edge of the side panels 74 and 84 by means of the zippers 77 and '89 to provide the necessary protection for the front of the couch and the forward ends of the arm portions. The triangular ap portions 78 and 87 are shown in a partially folded out state on either side of the couch. When the couch S is to be employed, the triangular ap .portions 78 and 87 will normally extend downwardly `and will rest against the outside face of the side panels 74 and 84. When the couch is not to be used, the triangular ap portions 78 and 87 will be secured along the altitude side to the top portion of each side edge of the back portion 81 by means of the zippers 80 and S9, respectively. The top cover 82 is shown in FIG. 9 in a partially closed position. When the couch S is to be in use, the top cover 83 will be folded along the line 84 downwardly and will engage and rest against the outside face of the back panel 81. When the couch S is to be covered, the top cover 83 will be swung along the fold line 84 with each side edge engaging the hypotenuse side of each of the triangular iiap portions 78 and 87. The lower edge of the top front panel portion 72 will engage the top edge of front panel portion 71. The top panel 82 may be secured to the triangular flap portions 78 and `87 and the top front panel portion 72 may be secured to the front panel portion 71 by any suitable fastening means. It is preferred, to insure a completely watertight operation, that a watertight zipper 89, 91 be provided to secure the top panel 82 along its three sides to the side panels 78 and `87 and the top edge of the front panel portion 71. It is seen from the foregoing description that the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 provides a protective covering which can be placed in a protective covering state on the furniture or in a state where the furniture can be employed quite easily and quickly.

Referring now to FIGS. l2 and 13, still another form of protective covering means made in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 12d is shown. The protective covering 120 will be of particular utility with spring metal chairs in which the legs thereof are one-piece in construction and inclined Ill outwardly therefrom. The protective covering 120 com prises a front panel 121 that is of a length equal to the width of the chair and possesses a vertical height just suicient to engage the front surface of a chair in the manner of the front panel l41 shown in the protective covering 40 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The front panel 121 will serve to engage and protect the front seat portion of the chair.

A first side panel 122 is secured along a vertical fold line 123 to the front panel 121. The side panel 122 is of the same vertical height as the front panel 121 and is of a length at least equal to the depth of the chair. The side panel 122 will function to engage with the chair and protect yone side thereof in the same manner as the panel 42 of the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A right angled triangular flap portion 124 is secured along its base line to the tOp edge of the side panel 122 along a fold line 124a. The altitude side of the triangular flap portion 124 is equal t-o the height of the back portion of the chair with the hypotenuse side of the flap portion 124 extending from the top edge of the back portion to the front edge of the seat portion and will function to cover and protect the side area of the chair. The altitude side of the ap portion 124 is provided With a zipper construction to permit same to be held in detachable relationship with one side edge of the back portion 126.

The back portion 126 is secured to the other edge of the side panel 122 and is of a width coresponding to the width of the front panel 121. 'Ihe vertical height of the panel 126 is at least equal to the vertical height of the back supporting area of the chair and functions to provide protection for the rear of the chair. A top cover member 127 is secured along the horizontal fold line 128 to the top edge of the back panel 126. The top cover member 127 lis of a length at least equal to the hypotenuse of the triangular flap portion 124 since it will -function to cover and protect the top area of the chair by extending along the hypotenuse side of the triangular ap portion 124 to the upper edge of the front panel 121 in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter.

A second side panel 129 of identical configuration and dimensions as the first side panel 122 is secured along the vertical fold line 130 to the other edge of the back panel 126 and functions to engage and protect the other side edge of the chair. A right angled triangular ap portion 131 identical with the right angled flap portion 124 is secured along a horizontal fold line 132 to the top edge of the second side panel 129 and serves the same function as the triangular flap portion 124. The triangular flap portion 121 is held in detachable relationship with the upper side edge of the back portion 126 by zipper means 125. To insure the engagement of the front, sides, and back panels to one another in association with the covering 120 with a chair, the free edge of the back panel 126 and the free edge of the side panel 122-124 are provided with a cooperating zipper means which will permit the covering 120 to be detachably engaged with the chair in the manner shown in FIG. ll.

Referring now to FIG. ll, it is seen that a front panel 121, side panels 122 and 129, and back panel 126 are held in tight engagement with the outer perimetral edge of the chair T in the immediate vicinity of the seat portion and the right angled triangular flap portions 124 and 131 are in secured relationship with each of the side edges of the back panel 126. The side panels 124 and 131 will be in this state when the chair T is not to be in use. In this state, the hypotenuse sides of each of the triangular ap portions 124 and 125 will engage the top cover member 127 to provide the desired shielding of the furniture. When the chair is to be used, the right angled ap portions 124 and 131 will be disengaged from the side edges of the back panel 126 and will drop downwardly along the outer side of the side panels 122 and 129, respectively, thus freeing the arm portions of the chair.

The back panel 127 is shown in FIG. 11 in a partially open state. If the chair is to be used, the back panel 127 will drop rearwardly and will be in engagement with the back area of the chair and out of contact with the person using the chair. When the chair is not in use, the top front cover 127 will be swung forwardly over the chair T with each side edge engaging the hypotenuse side of each of the triangular ap portions 124 and 131, and the forward free edge engaging the top edge of the panel 121. To secure the top cover member 127 in weathertight engagement with the triangular flap portions 124 and 131 and the front panel 121, zipper means 134 is provided on the associated parts in the manner shown. It is to be understood that other fastener means achieving this end result may be employed if so desired.

As will be seen from the foregoing description of various forms of the invention, the type of material that may be employed in making covering means in accordance with the present invention has been set forth in certain particular embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be clearly understood that the same material may be employed equally as well in all forms of the invention. To the same extent certain forms of the invention have been illustrated in which one type of fastening means is shown with one form of the invention and another type of fastening means are used with other forms of the invention. However, it is to be clearly understood that any particular fastener means capable of securing weathertight engagement of the associated parts with one another to provide the desired protection of the furniture may be utilized.

It should be further noted that in the forms of the invention shown in FIGS. l-7, each of the triangular ap portions which are united to one another when the covering is in a closed state could use a conical effect in which the apex thereof will lie above the chair. This will produce four conical sides inclined downwardly and outwardly which will provide downwardly inclined surfaces against which any moisture or rain will contact and run off to the ground. It may be found desirable in many instances in order to insure proper shedding of any moisture to have overlapping portions between the cooperating side edges of the triangular flap portions. This will further insure a weathertight engagement between the panel sections. It will also be found advantageous in many instances to provide stiffening means for the triangular ap portions, such as, for example, 12, 18, 23, and 29, which will insure the maintenance of such flap portions in a conical, inclined, water-shedding state. This can be accomplished by having stay rods of plastic, wood, metal or the like immediately positioned on each of the triangular ap portions adjacent each free edge, or a single stay rod may be centrally positioned in the triangular flap portion 18. Similarly, with the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 1l, reinforcing stays may be found advantageous to insure rigidifying the cover member so that a proper run-off of any moisture that may engage the top cover member 82 or 127, respectively, will occur.

It is to be clearly understood that it is within the scope and purview of the present invention that the protective coverings made in accordance with the present invention need not be detachable from the furniture. Rather, the protective covering and the results achieved thereby may be accomplished by having the covering as an integral part of the furniture or in a non-detachable state with respect thereto. For example, in the forms of the invention shown in FIGS. l-5, the panels which encircle the chair, i.e., panels 11, 14, 20, and 25 may be made integral with the chair as skirts or actual front, side, and rear upholstery or covering panels. In this event, the respective flap portions similarly become integral therewith Iand function in the same manner as hereinbefore described with the detachable protective coverings. The provision of protective coverings integral with the furniture may be employed in a like manner with the forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 8-11.

In each of the forms of the invention, provision may be made for securing the various disassociable elements together with a minimum number of zipper fasteners without contiict, and preferably with all the sliders assembled at a common apex when the unit is closed.

Thus in FIG. 1, the slider of the zipper 32 (preferably of the separable type) may engage at a and rest at b when the cover is in place but open, and this same slider may move to the apex c when the cover is closed. Other zippers (of the non-separable type) may have their sliders rest at al, a2, and a3 in the open position of cover, these sliders moving to c1, c2, and c3 when the cover is closed. All four sliders will then be located at the common apex c, c1, c2, c3 (i.e., where rings 33 -are shown) in the closed position of the cover, facilitating location of all sliders which must be moved for properly opening the cover. Alternatively, two separable zippers may be used in lieu of the zipper running from a to b to c, one of which may run from a to b and the other of which may engage at b and run to c.

The same zipper arrangements may likewise be used with -the embodiment of FIG. 4.

In the forrn of FIG. 6, similar provision may be made through the use of separable and non-separable zippers. For chairs without arms, back and seat cushions may also be applied to the form of FIG. 1, for example, by hinging the seat cushion to the inside of the cover at the fold line 17, and by hinging the back cushion to the inside of the cover at the fold line 24, so that the hinged elements may lie on top of the chair seat and hang in front of the chair back when the cover is in place. With this arrangement, only the four zippers as described for FIG. l just above need be employed.

In the forms of FIGS. 8 and l0, an arrangement is disclosed in which a single separable zipper can be engaged at a, rest at b when the cover is applied to the article but is open, and can then move to c, d, e, f and g, which completes the closure in the case of FIGS. 12-13, and in the case of FIGS. 8-9, on to lz and i to complete the closure. Alternatively, a separable zipper may be used from a to b in these figures, and a non-separable zipper can start at the other end of the run in those forms, the two zippers meeting at b or elsewhere as may be arranged. Or the panels 81-83-72 and 126-127 may be made separate from the remaining portions of FIGS. 8 and 10, at the lines 82 and 130 respectively, and a double ended zipper with two separable sliders may engage at a and at the lower ends of the separations at 82 and 13%, may then rest at b and g in FIG. l2 (and at b and i in FIG. 8) when the cover is applied but open, and may be brought together at any desired point intermediate therebetween when the cover is closed.

While there have been described herein what are at present considered preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to -those skilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention. It is therefore to be understood that the exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims, and that all modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be included therein.

We claim:

1. A protective covering for furniture comprising panel means for positive engagement with the outside surface of a piece of furniture, said panel means having front, side and back portions adapted for positive, relatively tight engagement with at least a portion of the outside surface of 4the corresponding parts of a piece of furniture for providing an outside cover for each corresponding part thereof, and covering means secured to at least a portion of said panel means for covering said furniture, said covering means including at least one covering portion hingedly secured along a fold line to the top edge of at least the back portion of said panel means, said covering means being normally foldable outwardly and downwardly against the outside surface of said panel means when the article of furniture is to be used by a person, said covering means being foldabie along said fold line and forming a downwardly inclined covering means in non-contoured relationship with the piece of furniture for protecting same against the elements when the furniture is not in use, said inclined covering means causing rain and the like to run oif when contacting said covering means.

2. A protective covering in accordance with claim 1, wherein said panel means include means for securing same to furniture in detachable relationship.

3. A protective covering in accordance with claim 1, wherein said panel means is fixedly secured to the furniture.

4. A protective covering in accordance with claim 1, in which said covering means include at least one more covering portion secured along a fold line to at least one of the side and front portions of the panel means.

5. A protective covering in accordance with claim 4, in which means are provided for securing each of the covering portions of the covering means to one another in detachable relationship therewith.

6. A protective covering for furniture comprising front panel means, side panel means and back panel means secured to one another for tight positive engagement with at least a portion of the outside surface of a piece of furniture for providing an outside cover for each corresponding part thereof, covering means hingedly secured along a fold line to the top corresponding edge of each of said panel means, each of said covering means being normally foldable outwardly and downwardly against the outside surface of the respective panel means when the latter is in use, each of said covering means being foldable upwardly and inwardly when the furniture is not in use, with the side edges of each of said covering means mating with one another to provide a downwardly inclined weathertight covering for the piece of furniture in non-contoured relationship therewith thereby causing rain and the like coming into contact therewith to run off therefrom, and means for detachably securing each of said covering means to one another when in a closed state.

7. A protective covering in accordance with claim 6, wherein said panel means include means for securing same to furniture in detachable relationship.

8. A protective covering in accordance with claim 6, wherein said panel means is fixedly secured to the furniture.

9. A protective covering in accordance with claim 6, wherein said means for detachably securing said covering means to one another are zipper means.

10. A protective covering in accordance with claim 6, in which the covering means each is triangular in shape, with the apex of each of the triangular shaped portions provided with ring means, with each of said ring means cooperating with one another to maintain the covering means in assembled relationship when in mating relationship for protecting the piece of furniture.

11. A protective covering for furniture comprising a seat panel conforming to the dimensions of the seat por` tion of the furniture for engagement therewith, an inside back panel conforming to the inside back dimensions of the furniture for engagement therewith secured along a fold line to the back edge of said seat panel, front and side panels secured along respective fold lines to the front and side edges respectively and adapted to hang downwardly therefrom when associated with furniture against the respective outside surfaces thereof, an outside back panel secured along one edge to the top edge of said inside back panel and so dimensioned to cover the back of the furniture when associated therewith, said front, side, and outside back panels adapted to be secured to one another in detachable relationship along vertical edges thereof to encircle the perimetral area of the furniture and engage same in positive relationship therewith, flap portions secured along one edge to the front and side edges of said seat portion, a flap portion secured along one edge to the top edge of said inner back panel, each of said flap portions foldable outwardly and downwardly to engage the outside face of the front, side, and outside back panels when the furniture is in use, each of said ap portions foldable inwardly in cooperation with one another to form a downwardly inclined, conical shaped, protective covering means in non-contoured relationship with the furniture when same is not in use, said inclined protective covering means causing rain and the like to run olf when contacting said covering means, and means for securing said ap portions to one another in detachable relationship.

12. A protective covering in accordance with claim 11, wherein zipper means are provided for securing the ap portions to one another.

13. A protective covering for furniture comprising front panel means, side panel means and back panel means secured to one another along vertical fold lines respectively and adapted for positive tight engagement with the outside perimetral edge of the furniture, back covering means hingedly secured along a horizontal fold line to the top edge of the back panel means, side covering means hingedly secured along a horizontal fold line to each side panel means, each of said covering means being normally foldable outwardly and downwardly against the outside surface of the respective back and side panel means when the furniture is in use, said covering means being foldable along said fold lines inwardly when the furniture is not in use forming downwardly inclined covering means in non-contoured relationship with the furniture for protecting same, said inclined covering means causing rain and the like to run off when contacting said covering means, and means for detachably securing at least said back covering means to at least said front covering means when in a folded state.

14. A protective covering for furniture comprising front panel means, side panel means and back panel means secured to one another and adapted for tight positive engagement with the outside perimeter of a piece of furniture, front `and back covering means hingedly secured respectively along a horizontal fold line to the front and back panel means, triangular side panel portions hingedly secured along a horizontal fold line to each of said side panel means, side covering means hingedly secured along one edge to one edge of each of said triangular side panel portions, each of said covering means being normally folded downwardly and outwardly on the outside of the furniture when the latter is in use, each of said covering means being foldable upwardly and inwardly when the furniture is not in use, with the side edges of each of said covering means mating with one another to provide a downwardly-inclined, weathertight covering in non-contoured relationship with the furniture for protecting same against the elements, said inclined covering means causing rain and the like to run off when contacting said covering means, and means for detachably securing each of said covering means to one another when in a protective state.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,102,445 7/ 1914 Schwab.

1,188,825 6/1916 Potter 206-46 1,378,505 5/1921 White 297-184 X 2,049,659 8/1936 Parrot 297-16 2,054,915 9/1936 Stern.

2,166,832 7/1939 Wenker 297-184 2,313,362 3/1943 Rous 206-46 2,331,753 10/1943 Wohlers 205-46 2,531,047 11/1950 Holsinger 297--218 2,675,955 4/1954 Gibbons 206-46 2,806,514 9/1957 Smith.

2,832,525 4/1958 Cavin 206--46 X 2,904,105 9/ 1959 Holden.

3,208,794 9/1965 Gunn 297--219 FOREIGN PATENTS 789,012 8/1935 France.

CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Primary Examiner.

I. T. MCCALL, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR FURNITURE COMPRISING PANEL MEANS FOR POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE OUTSIDE SURFACE OF A PIECE OF FURNITURE, SAID PANEL MEANS HAVING FRONT, SIDE AND BACK PORTIONS ADAPTED FOR POSITIVE, RELATIVELY TIGHT ENGAGEMENT WITH AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE OUTSIDE SURFACE OF THE CORRESPONDING PARTS OF A PIECE OF FURNITURE FOR PROVIDING AN OUTSIDE COVER FOR EACH CORRESPONDING PART THEREOF, AND COVERING MEANS SECURED TO AT LEAST A PORTION OF SAID PANEL MEANS FOR COVERING SAID FURNITURE, SAID COVERING MEANS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE COVERING PORTION HINGEDLY SECURED ALONG A FOLD LINE TO THE TOP EDGE OF AT LEAST THE BACK PORTION OF SAID PANEL MEANS, SAID COVERING MEANS BEING NORMALLY FOLDABLE OUTWARDLY AND DOWNWARDLY AGAINST THE OUTSIDE SURFACE OF SAID PANEL MEANS WHEN THE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE IS TO BE USED BY A PERSON, SAID COVERING MEANS BEING FOLDABLE ALONG SAID FOLD LINE AND FORMING A DOWNWARDLY INCLINED COVERING MEANS IN NON-CONTOURED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PIECE OF FURNITURE FOR PROTECTING SAME AGAINST THE ELEMENTS WHEN THE FURNITURE IS NOT IN USE, SAID INCLINED COVERING MEANS CAUSING RAIN AND THE LIKE TO RUN OFF WHEN CONTACTING SAID COVERING MEANS. 